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Still one cool cat
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This review first appeared in Turbula in November 2007.
While former bandmate Brian Setzer, who was the distinctive lead vocalist for the Stray Cats, is most closely identified with that band and their hits, it's actually bassist Lee Rocker who's stayed most true to the band's original sound. No forays into big band or swing for Rocker – he's always stayed close to the roots music that made him a small fortune.
On his second release for indie blues label Alligator, Rocker continues to turn out top-rank rockabilly, blues, roots rock and old-time rock 'n' roll. Nine solid new songs from Rocker's pen, another from his guitarist, Buzz Campbell of San Diego, an imaginative reworking of Dylan's "One More Night" plus a solo standup acoustic bass workout and a cover of Leon Payne's "Lost Highway" make this a solid listen start to finish.
Rocker also continues to improve as a singer album to album. Blessed with a strong voice, he's starting to develop the same cocksure confidence in front of the mic that he's always had on that big ol' double bass.